The second half of twentieth century saw the emergence of many new and influential art movements. At the forefront of those movements, were a great number of talented artists whose work expressed the fundamental changes and innovations that took place in that era. The collected works in this catalogue, given by AT&T to the University of Texas at San Antonio, exemplify such artists and some of the dynamic shifts that took place in recent art history.
AT&T's donation to the University’s collection consists of thirty-nine works created by over twenty-seven artists during four decades and represents a number of stylistically diverse movements. Works by Afro Basaldella, Carmen Cicero, Robert (Bob) Duran, John Hoyland, James Juszczyk, Merle Leech, Pablo Palazuelo, John Pearson, William Ridenhour, Kikuo Saito, Kimber Smith, Esteban Vicente and Catherine Warren, for example, are representative of several modes of expression rooted in abstraction. Works by Kenneth Price and Lowell Blair Nesbitt exemplify the bold new direction in art during the late 1960s and early 1970’s. Nick Krushenick’s, Big Juice, identifies him as one of Pop Art’s original exponents. Also included in this generous addition to the University’s collection are examples of photorealistic scenes and landscapes by artists Larry Chapalear, Richard Chiriani, John R. Friedman, Ian Hornak, Claire Klarewicz-Okser, Richard Mizdal, Judith Nulty, Kent Roberts, Mohand Saci, and Robert Sievert. Considered together, this collection is an invaluable survey of significant movements in art.
AT&T's gift firmly reflects their continued support of art and education in our community. This collection will provide students of art and art history examples of artistic virtuosity in the second half of the last century. In addition to enhancing the campus with their beauty, these works will serve as an invaluable resource for education and research and will give all who enjoy them a unique perspective on late twentieth- century art.
“The arts are critical to the well-being of a community in many ways. They go well beyond simply entertaining an audience. Research shows that the arts are a catalyst for economic development, job retention and recruitment and economic stability."
It is an honor for The University of Texas at San Antonio to be recognized by AT&T as a recipient of such outstanding works of art. We are extremely pleased to have some of these works displayed in a hub of student activity on campus – our newly renovated library. This substantial collection of 20th Century art is an outstanding addition to the University's permanent collection, and we are honored that it will be an important part of our library and learning center, and throughout the UTSA campuses.
We continue to be grateful for AT&T's generous support of higher education in San Antonio. The University of Texas at San Antonio plays a key role in making San Antonio and South Texas a great place to live. Bolstering the University’s art collection through this gift by AT&T continues to add to the prestige of the school.
UTSA is positioned to be the next great premier Texas research university. The accomplishments of our students and faculty and support from AT&T and friends like you are the keys to reaching our goal of providing access to excellence.
